Glazing in Architectural Design

 

                                                                                                                           (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimbar/)

The use of glazing in pottery appears to have started in about 1500 BC. Prior to that, brickwork had been glazed and used as a form of decoration or ornamentation in architectural design.

It's generally recognised that the use of glazing in this way reached its height in 6th century Babylon in the palace of Nebuchadnezzar. The glaze and decorative works were truly impressive.

It was in about the 1st century BC that glazed pottery began to be produced in the Middle East. Possibly it was the Egyptians who started

making glazed pottery.

Moroccan Fassi Pottery

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Pottery in Morocco comes mainly from Fez, Rabat, Safi and Wadi Lan.

The blue pottery of Fez is highly popular, and is distinguished by it's vibrant bright blue. The stunning pieces of ceramics from Fez - known as Fassi ceramics - in their traditional blue and white designs are a delight and well-sought after as decorative souvenirs. They can also be used as in the home as bowls and serving dishes.

Other colour schemes are also used, including yellow, royal blue and burgundy and bring variety to the classic designs.


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Turkish Ceramics

The art of ceramics in Turkey reached its zenith during the time of the Ottoman Empire. The centre of the ceramic industry was at Iznik. The artisans at Iznik worked to the order of designs prepared at the Ottoman court.

During the classical era of Turkish art in the second half of the 16th century, Iznik ceramics flourished. But from the beginning of the 17th century, as the political situation gradually changed, Iznik began to lose its financial suppport, and the artisans who produced the ceramics were dispersed, taking away with them their secret techniques.

By the 18th century Kutahya became the centre of ceramic art in Turkey.

Handmade iznik tile, Istanbul, Turkey
Credits: Scott MacLeod Liddle